The Seven Years' WAAR - RoP PBME game Crécy vs. Raptor1

Crécy · 04-14-13, 02:53 PM

Thus commences the Rise of Prussia AAR.

The game is AGEOD's Rise of Prussia which covers the Seven Years' War in Europe between 1756 and 1763. We'll be playing the Grand Campaign which spans the entire conflict. One turn is 15 days so the Grand Campaign scenario lasts 176 turns. I will be playing as Austria allied with Russia, France, Saxony and Sweden. Raptor1 plays as Prussia allied with Great Britain and Hanover.

Thus far Raptor1 has beat me every single time we have ever played anything. So I'm not exactly expecting anything spectacular from myself this time either. And I believe neither is anyone else who has ever read my AARs or has played MoW with me.

A great example of my ineptitude and what is to be expected: the last time Raptor1 and I played this said scenario (me as Austria) I managed to destroy the entire Russian army before they even saw battle or reached the front...

But, the time will tell how it spans out.

Crécy · 04-14-13, 02:53 PM

Turn 1 - 1756, Early September

So, Saxon forces have retreated behind the walls of Pirna and I must relieve them before it's too late.

The situation at the start:

Prussia has around 70,000 troops in three columns. I have around the same amount of troops in three different formations. First line, led by Joseph Luccese with 19188 men of which 8276 are on horseback and 96 cannons. Second line, led by useless Emmanuel Kollowrat with 25729 men (6985 on horseback) and 240 cannons. Both of these formations are stationed in Prag and are ultimately led by Maximilian Browne. In the east is Aeneas Piccolomini with 25187 men (10825 on horseback) and 96 cannons. However, Piccolomini's corps are unable to move until early October.

I didn't give any orders in the first turn. Partially because I want to see how Prussians advance and because Browne is inactive for the turn which means he is unable to attack.

Turn 2 - 1756, Late September

Pirna is now completely surrounded. Koeniggratz is besieged by Schwerin's Schlesien Armee and Frederick II is advancing along the Elbe with Keith's corps and Rechts' column.

I ordered the mustache guy's advance guard to deal with the harassing hussars in the west. Meanwhile Browne will move to Brux, southwest of Prussians, with the first and second line so I won't have to attack across the river (now to think of it, I probably should have moved them to Lobositz in the first turn...).

Crécy · 04-15-13, 05:54 AM

Turn 3 - 1756, Early October

The first and second line clashed with Frederick in Brux and Browne surprised me quite pleasantly.

In the end battle was quite indecisive. Frederick had more cavalry but I had more cannons. However, I lost more men.

Situation at the end after orders

I really had two options now. 1. attack Frederick with Browne's first and second column along with Piccolomini's corps. 2. retreat back to Prag to defend it against the obvious attack by Link's and Gessler's column from the north along with Frederick. Schwerin would be preoccupied by Koeniggratz for the moment. Unfortunately it seemed that he was going to take it quickly.

I chose a variation of the second choice: move Piccolomini's corps and Browne with the second line back to Prag while Luccese's first line will move to Pirna and drive away the besieging forces. That move would also potentially cut off Frederick from supply.

Advance guard failed to engage the hussars so I ordered it to move back to Prag as well.

Turn 4 - 1756, Late October

Gessler's and Link's column both attacked Prag as expected. However, for some reason they made separate attacks which were of course repelled easily by Piccolomini's corps and the second line's combined forces. Gessler's column was made entirely of cavalry. Over 13000 in total. I don't have even nearly the amount of cavalry Frederick has. In both of these clashes in Prag I lost more men. In the long run these indecisive battles might eventually wear me out.

The 1st and the 2nd battle of Prag fortress

Also Luccese's first column managed to fend off the forces besieging Pirna camp. And as you can see below from the supply map (green is good, red is bad) Luccese's advance indeed cut off Frederick forces. I hoped that this would force Frederick to double back to Pirna to open the supply lines and meet the combined forces of Saxon and Austrian forces, totaling over 40,000 men. More than Frederick has. But, as you will soon discover that was not the case.

Also the quick bastard, Schwerin, took Koeniggratz. Which means that 20,000 more men are coming at me.

Now to think of it, the supply map probably shouldn't be used to check whether enemy is well supplied or not. After all the map shows only my supply situation...

Turn 5 - 1756, Early November

After having to wait for two months the battle reports I'm used to have finally arrived.

Frederick concentrated his entire attacking force against Prag and we were heavily outnumbered. Maximilian Browne was wounded and apparently he is currently in Budweis:

I suspect that he just pretends to be injured so he can drink beer. I mean, there are other places to recover than Budweis...

Situation around Prag after the battle:

Prag is besieged. But as it's winter I recall that Prussia has to withdraw to winter in the north. If they do not withdraw, they will be having problems with supply. That is the reason I left Piccolomini's corps and the second line near Prag so they can move to there as quickly as possible after Frederick withdraws. However, if they choose to attack, I ordered them to retreat as soon as possible. Luccene will winter in Pirna if possible, they should have enough troops to withstand even a major attack. Well, not the entire Frederick's force of course. I only have to hope that the Prussians will not withdraw through Pirna as they would crush the first line and the Saxon forces.

On a brighter note Leopold von Daun, my the most adequate general, is now moving north and will join the army in Prag in a month or so.

Bilge_Rat · 04-15-13, 08:48 AM

RoP is excellent, the best strategy/operational simulation of 18th century warfare currently on market, IMHO. good luck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crécy

Now to think of it, the supply map probably shouldn't be used to check whether enemy is well supplied or not. After all the map shows only my supply situation...

correct. You can use the "control" map which shows which areas each side controls to get an idea of your opponents supply situation. Prussian supply will not transit through areas you control.

Quote:

Prag is besieged. But as it's winter I recall that Prussia has to withdraw to winter in the north. If they do not withdraw, they will be having problems with supply. .

Correct. It also depends on the "attrition" option you are using, if set to "historical", any force which is not located on a friendly city/depot will quickly melt away in winter.

Crécy · 04-16-13, 07:54 AM

Bilge Rat: Thanks for clarifications! RoP, as well as all AGEOD engine games, are indeed marvellous strategy games (Alea Jacta Est is awesome). Even though my AGEOD gaming usually consists of random ignorant clicking and hoping I did something right

.

* * *
Turn 6 - 1756, Late November

Damn Prussians are fast besiegers. Prag's walls have been partially breached. I just hope snow drives them away before Prag falls as I'm in no condition to attack because I so wisely separated the first line from the rest of the army. I decided to move the first line with Saxon forces south as they were low on supplies. I have no idea whether abandoning Pirna camp is a wise idea but I can't see any dire consequences which that might cause. At least I didn't lose the whole Saxon army. Yet.

* * *
Turn 7 - 1756, Early December

The first line and the Saxon forces stumbled upon Hans von Zieten's small force while moving to Lobositz. Only minor casualties suffered on both sides.

Another breach made at Prag fortress which, unfortunately, means that it's almost ripe for taking, unless Frederick withdraws. The first line and the Saxon army are running out of supply and they are ordered to move toward Karlsbad in the southwest to get supplies.

* * *

Turn 8 - 1756, Late December

Prag fell... Which is a direct consequence of my idea to split my forces. But, on the plus side I managed to save the Saxon army in Pirna which is a huge asset. Sadly losing Prag means that Frederick is now able to winter there and continue his advance quickly after winter. Piccolomini, east of Prag, is ordered to meet up with Daun's 11,000 men in the south.

Thus endeth the year 1756.

Feld Grau · 04-16-13, 11:19 PM

Even with the loss of Prague,you're still in relatively decent shape. So long as the Austrian player manages to keep an Army-In Being during the first year,he should be alright. Be cautious over the winter and spring and victory will surely come!

04-14-13, 02:53 PM	#1
Crécy Grey Wolf Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dark forest Posts: 793 Downloads: 316 Uploads: 0	The Seven Years' WAAR - RoP PBME game Crécy vs. Raptor1 Thus commences the Rise of Prussia AAR. The game is AGEOD's Rise of Prussia which covers the Seven Years' War in Europe between 1756 and 1763. We'll be playing the Grand Campaign which spans the entire conflict. One turn is 15 days so the Grand Campaign scenario lasts 176 turns. I will be playing as Austria allied with Russia, France, Saxony and Sweden. Raptor1 plays as Prussia allied with Great Britain and Hanover. Thus far Raptor1 has beat me every single time we have ever played anything. So I'm not exactly expecting anything spectacular from myself this time either. And I believe neither is anyone else who has ever read my AARs or has played MoW with me. A great example of my ineptitude and what is to be expected: the last time Raptor1 and I played this said scenario (me as Austria) I managed to destroy the entire Russian army before they even saw battle or reached the front... But, the time will tell how it spans out. __________________ “Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.” -Henry David Thoreau

04-14-13, 02:53 PM	#2
Crécy Grey Wolf Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dark forest Posts: 793 Downloads: 316 Uploads: 0	Turn 1 - 1756, Early September So, Saxon forces have retreated behind the walls of Pirna and I must relieve them before it's too late. The situation at the start: Prussia has around 70,000 troops in three columns. I have around the same amount of troops in three different formations. First line, led by Joseph Luccese with 19188 men of which 8276 are on horseback and 96 cannons. Second line, led by useless Emmanuel Kollowrat with 25729 men (6985 on horseback) and 240 cannons. Both of these formations are stationed in Prag and are ultimately led by Maximilian Browne. In the east is Aeneas Piccolomini with 25187 men (10825 on horseback) and 96 cannons. However, Piccolomini's corps are unable to move until early October. I didn't give any orders in the first turn. Partially because I want to see how Prussians advance and because Browne is inactive for the turn which means he is unable to attack. Turn 2 - 1756, Late September Pirna is now completely surrounded. Koeniggratz is besieged by Schwerin's Schlesien Armee and Frederick II is advancing along the Elbe with Keith's corps and Rechts' column. I ordered the mustache guy's advance guard to deal with the harassing hussars in the west. Meanwhile Browne will move to Brux, southwest of Prussians, with the first and second line so I won't have to attack across the river (now to think of it, I probably should have moved them to Lobositz in the first turn...). __________________ “Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.” -Henry David Thoreau Last edited by Crécy; 04-24-13 at 10:37 AM.

04-15-13, 05:54 AM	#3
Crécy Grey Wolf Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dark forest Posts: 793 Downloads: 316 Uploads: 0	Turn 3 - 1756, Early October The first and second line clashed with Frederick in Brux and Browne surprised me quite pleasantly. In the end battle was quite indecisive. Frederick had more cavalry but I had more cannons. However, I lost more men. Situation at the end after orders I really had two options now. 1. attack Frederick with Browne's first and second column along with Piccolomini's corps. 2. retreat back to Prag to defend it against the obvious attack by Link's and Gessler's column from the north along with Frederick. Schwerin would be preoccupied by Koeniggratz for the moment. Unfortunately it seemed that he was going to take it quickly. I chose a variation of the second choice: move Piccolomini's corps and Browne with the second line back to Prag while Luccese's first line will move to Pirna and drive away the besieging forces. That move would also potentially cut off Frederick from supply. Advance guard failed to engage the hussars so I ordered it to move back to Prag as well. Turn 4 - 1756, Late October Gessler's and Link's column both attacked Prag as expected. However, for some reason they made separate attacks which were of course repelled easily by Piccolomini's corps and the second line's combined forces. Gessler's column was made entirely of cavalry. Over 13000 in total. I don't have even nearly the amount of cavalry Frederick has. In both of these clashes in Prag I lost more men. In the long run these indecisive battles might eventually wear me out. The 1st and the 2nd battle of Prag fortress Also Luccese's first column managed to fend off the forces besieging Pirna camp. And as you can see below from the supply map (green is good, red is bad) Luccese's advance indeed cut off Frederick forces. I hoped that this would force Frederick to double back to Pirna to open the supply lines and meet the combined forces of Saxon and Austrian forces, totaling over 40,000 men. More than Frederick has. But, as you will soon discover that was not the case. Also the quick bastard, Schwerin, took Koeniggratz. Which means that 20,000 more men are coming at me. Now to think of it, the supply map probably shouldn't be used to check whether enemy is well supplied or not. After all the map shows only my supply situation... Turn 5 - 1756, Early November After having to wait for two months the battle reports I'm used to have finally arrived. Frederick concentrated his entire attacking force against Prag and we were heavily outnumbered. Maximilian Browne was wounded and apparently he is currently in Budweis: I suspect that he just pretends to be injured so he can drink beer. I mean, there are other places to recover than Budweis... Situation around Prag after the battle: Prag is besieged. But as it's winter I recall that Prussia has to withdraw to winter in the north. If they do not withdraw, they will be having problems with supply. That is the reason I left Piccolomini's corps and the second line near Prag so they can move to there as quickly as possible after Frederick withdraws. However, if they choose to attack, I ordered them to retreat as soon as possible. Luccene will winter in Pirna if possible, they should have enough troops to withstand even a major attack. Well, not the entire Frederick's force of course. I only have to hope that the Prussians will not withdraw through Pirna as they would crush the first line and the Saxon forces. On a brighter note Leopold von Daun, my the most adequate general, is now moving north and will join the army in Prag in a month or so. __________________ “Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.” -Henry David Thoreau Last edited by Crécy; 04-24-13 at 10:38 AM.

04-16-13, 07:54 AM	#5
Crécy Grey Wolf Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dark forest Posts: 793 Downloads: 316 Uploads: 0	Bilge Rat: Thanks for clarifications! RoP, as well as all AGEOD engine games, are indeed marvellous strategy games (Alea Jacta Est is awesome). Even though my AGEOD gaming usually consists of random ignorant clicking and hoping I did something right . * * * Turn 6 - 1756, Late November Damn Prussians are fast besiegers. Prag's walls have been partially breached. I just hope snow drives them away before Prag falls as I'm in no condition to attack because I so wisely separated the first line from the rest of the army. I decided to move the first line with Saxon forces south as they were low on supplies. I have no idea whether abandoning Pirna camp is a wise idea but I can't see any dire consequences which that might cause. At least I didn't lose the whole Saxon army. Yet. * * * Turn 7 - 1756, Early December The first line and the Saxon forces stumbled upon Hans von Zieten's small force while moving to Lobositz. Only minor casualties suffered on both sides. Another breach made at Prag fortress which, unfortunately, means that it's almost ripe for taking, unless Frederick withdraws. The first line and the Saxon army are running out of supply and they are ordered to move toward Karlsbad in the southwest to get supplies. * * * Turn 8 - 1756, Late December Prag fell... Which is a direct consequence of my idea to split my forces. But, on the plus side I managed to save the Saxon army in Pirna which is a huge asset. Sadly losing Prag means that Frederick is now able to winter there and continue his advance quickly after winter. Piccolomini, east of Prag, is ordered to meet up with Daun's 11,000 men in the south. Thus endeth the year 1756. __________________ “Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.” -Henry David Thoreau Last edited by Crécy; 04-24-13 at 10:39 AM.

04-16-13, 11:19 PM	#6
Feld Grau Watch Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 25 Downloads: 19 Uploads: 0	Even with the loss of Prague,you're still in relatively decent shape. So long as the Austrian player manages to keep an Army-In Being during the first year,he should be alright. Be cautious over the winter and spring and victory will surely come!